Harmonica player Mickey Raphael was performing with a folk singer when he was introduced to his current employer, Willie Nelson, by the legendary University of Texas football coach Darrell Royal in 1973.
Three months ago Bill Cosby performed in Las Vegas for the first time in years, headlining at Treasure Island. He returns for an encore tonight. It may be the last time fans have a chance to see America’s uncrowned raconteur laureate on a Las Vegas stage for a while.
Pushing 80, entertainer Steve Rossi doesn’t seem to slow down. The longtime Las Vegas resident, and former straight man for Marty Allen, just wrapped up a co-starring role in the off-Broadway musical comedy “Don’t Leave it All to Your Children.” The show debuted in New York in May and is still running, with a new cast. Rossi says he left for other projects, including a number of corporate gigs.
Elvis’ final performance in Las Vegas took place at the Hilton on Dec. 12, 1976. One of the songs in the last show was “American Trilogy,” which included a flute solo by legendary Las Vegas saxophonist Jimmy Mulidore, who also is pretty good on the clarinet. “I am truly blessed,” says Mulidore, who moved to Vegas in 1957.
Fearing an attack on the United States by a troupe of Canadian folk singers, Homeland Security won’t allow The Buccaneers to cross the border to perform at a house concert in Las Vegas this weekend.
